"It's just such a pleasure to bring a talent you respect to the world."

"I have respect for those who make money at art and do it well and smartly, because that commercial aspect keeps the world going and running, in a sense."

"Many Japanese painters and calligraphers would change their names intentionally to keep their relationship to the art always fresh. This way, others' expectations can be avoided."

"Write what you love. Love will hold you through the hard times and hold the world during the good times."

"Bouillabaisse is only good because cooked by the French, who, if they cared to try, could produce an excellent and nutritious substitute out of cigar stumps and empty matchboxes."

"The longer you hang in there, the greater the chance that something will happen in your favor. No matter how hard it seems, the longer you persist, the more likely your success."

"I try not to name too many labels - not because it's not cool, but because it starts getting political."